UC-Davis Game Day Thread

[KUlawJack]

Re: UC-Davis Game Day Thread

Meh, if you're comparing the way we move the ball with Zenner (over 9 yards per carry) to anything else, I'm pretty sure it will be a whole nother story when he comes out. That doesn't mean the other guy is bad, it just means Zenner has been that good. Gandy has 17 carries on the year. If he had 17 carries in one game and was still at 2 YPC I would be worried. He had a nice 3rd down catch Saturday, for whatever that's worth.

I see adequate depth/backups at WR, TE, and RB on the offensive side. 9 different guys caught a pass on Saturday. We've had multiple offensive lineman go down. Our backup QB did exactly what he was supposed to do in the Kansas game.

I don't know as much about the defense, but I know we had a RsFR who was slated as a backup when the season started get 4 sacks Saturday. A RsFr started at corner as well, I believe.

We are far from perfect, but we are doing a lot of things well right now too. I was just saying field awareness on punt returns is a relatively easy thing to fix in the grand scheme of things.

I think I can agree with what you are saying about the running game. There is a drop-off from Zenner to Gandy, but that may be that Zenner is just a beast. I heard from others about the drop-off before the season even started so I am not terribly surprised by what has occurred. Honestly, our depth at running back is probably in the true freshman class, with Tom Peitz and Parris. From what I hear, Peitz has been a monster since they moved him to the offensive side of the ball. If Zenner were to go down (which we pray does not happen), I would expect one of those freshmen to move into a prominent role.

Our TE depth is great. We miss Rollin at receiver. Can't wait to have him back.

[SF_Rabbit_Fan]

Re: UC-Davis Game Day Thread

One caveat, we can run the ball with Zenner in the game. When he goes out its a whole other story. It is a little frustrating that SDSU has no depth at the skill positions, none.

Meh, if you're comparing the way we move the ball with Zenner (over 9 yards per carry) to anything else, I'm pretty sure it will be a whole nother story when he comes out. That doesn't mean the other guy is bad, it just means Zenner has been that good. Gandy has 17 carries on the year. If he had 17 carries in one game and was still at 2 YPC I would be worried. He had a nice 3rd down catch Saturday, for whatever that's worth.

I see adequate depth/backups at WR, TE, and RB on the offensive side. 9 different guys caught a pass on Saturday. We've had multiple offensive lineman go down. Our backup QB did exactly what he was supposed to do in the Kansas game.

I don't know as much about the defense, but I know we had a RsFR who was slated as a backup when the season started get 4 sacks Saturday. A RsFr started at corner as well, I believe.

We are far from perfect, but we are doing a lot of things well right now too. I was just saying field awareness on punt returns is a relatively easy thing to fix in the grand scheme of things.

[jackmd]

Re: UC-Davis Game Day Thread

I would rather have punt return problems with fair catches/field awareness than the problems we had the last 2 years. Seems like an easier fix than struggling to run the ball or stop the run. It doesn't appear to be a unit problem.

One caveat, we can run the ball with Zenner in the game. When he goes out its a whole other story. It is a little frustrating that SDSU has no depth at the skill positions, none.

[SF_Rabbit_Fan]

Re: UC-Davis Game Day Thread

I would rather have punt return problems with fair catches/field awareness than the problems we had the last 2 years. Seems like an easier fix than struggling to run the ball or stop the run. It doesn't appear to be a unit problem.

[JimmyJack]

Re: UC-Davis Game Day Thread

Agree with you. Knocking out Wright almost cost us the game. Lacy appears to have a lot of potential, just needs some game experience.

As for JJ's comment on Stig haters, I don't think you have to be labeled a hater when you question how well the coach is preparing the players and planning for the game. Foolish for thinking you know more than the coach? Yes, I think you can say that. Haters? Not most of them. I see a couple differences in fans. Some are content to cheer for their team regardless of wins and losses or performance on the field. Those are great fans and I wish I could be more like them. The other type of fan has expectations, realistic or not, and allows outcomes that fall short of those expectations to affect their enthusiasm for the team.

I was sorely disappointed in the pass offense and punt return team yesterday. I listened to the post game interviews on WNAX and at the presser and wasn't satisfied with Stigs answer to several questions. I drove the 2 hours home frustrated and wondering what the players were thinking. Then, I watched the video where Lally gets the game ball and all my frustration and concern melted away. The guys on this team appear to be special and I think they are going to put it all together and have some great success this year. Even if they don't win every game.

My fault that I wasn't more clear. My observation has to do with those people who seem to assume the coaches are stupid, not with loyal supporters who become frustrated when somebody makes a dumb play. It is not the critics on this board that bother me. I know that anybody committed enough to stay involved in a discussion board like this is a loyal fan who really wants student athletes to succeed.

I think the coaches stuck with Dom Wright longer than they should have, but given his explosive play-making ability, I can understand why they did. As for the passing game: Seems like Austin's thumb is a bigger problem than anybody thought and the absence of Aaron Rollin really allowed UC Davis to press our other receivers. The good news is that Tiefenthaler got more time and Schneiders did a nice job.

[jackdaniel]

Re: UC-Davis Game Day Thread

Part of that is, I think the "corporate culture" of SDSU. Don't rock the boat. Everybody pull together. Yada yada yada. It's what makes the institution special. It's also occasionally quite crazy-making. You take the good with the bad.

Personally, I'm still trying to figure out why, if Sumner wasn't fit to start, he played in the second half at quarterback at the Kansas game. That strikes me as a MAJOR f-up by the coaching and/or training staffs.

EDIT: I notice my own sig quote. Ironic, ain't it?

I guess a bronze statue of Stig outside of the stadium,ala JoPa at Penn St,is out of the question then.......j/k

[JackJD]

Re: UC-Davis Game Day Thread

[Added: my post is a redundant---posted before I read some of the above which make a similar point.]

...Does anybody really believe that Stig doesn't know how and when a player should field a punt?...

JimmyJack: I generally agree with your total post but on the portion quoted above, I'm not sure the point made in your question is fair/accurate or responsive to the point being made by some posters. To answer the rhetorical question you present: I think every fan believes Stig knows how and when a player should field a punt. The issue for some is: Why isn't he putting his knowledge to use? Stated more simply: how many times is the punt returner going to do what we've watched for three games before the coaches react? In Saturday's game, I think the coaches reacted and we saw a change: Schneider was substituted in as the return guy.

Just my assessment of the point being made by some. Personally, all I know is punt returns are a real soft spot for the Jacks. I jokingly told someone that a wise-guy opposing coach may just start punting on second down: his team may have a reasonable chance of recovering deep in our territory after we flub the punt.

The good news is the coaches have opportunity to make some adjustments if necessary BEFORE the conference games start. Let's all keep in mind we're 2-1 and the team has proved it is capable.

[filbert]

Re: UC-Davis Game Day Thread

. . . I would say the number of Stig lovers/apologists is far higher than the number haters. Just my observation from talking to folks and reading. Often, critical comments have been shouted down on this board.

Part of that is, I think the "corporate culture" of SDSU. Don't rock the boat. Everybody pull together. Yada yada yada. It's what makes the institution special. It's also occasionally quite crazy-making. You take the good with the bad.

Personally, I'm still trying to figure out why, if Sumner wasn't fit to start, he played in the second half at quarterback at the Kansas game. That strikes me as a MAJOR f-up by the coaching and/or training staffs.

EDIT: I notice my own sig quote. Ironic, ain't it?

[JackFan96]

Re: UC-Davis Game Day Thread

Agree with you. Knocking out Wright almost cost us the game. Lacy appears to have a lot of potential, just needs some game experience.

As for JJ's comment on Stig haters, I don't think you have to be labeled a hater when you question how well the coach is preparing the players and planning for the game. Foolish for thinking you know more than the coach? Yes, I think you can say that. Haters? Not most of them. I see a couple differences in fans. Some are content to cheer for their team regardless of wins and losses or performance on the field. Those are great fans and I wish I could be more like them. The other type of fan has expectations, realistic or not, and allows outcomes that fall short of those expectations to affect their enthusiasm for the team.

I was sorely disappointed in the pass offense and punt return team yesterday. I listened to the post game interviews on WNAX and at the presser and wasn't satisfied with Stigs answer to several questions. I drove the 2 hours home frustrated and wondering what the players were thinking. Then, I watched the video where Lally gets the game ball and all my frustration and concern melted away. The guys on this team appear to be special and I think they are going to put it all together and have some great success this year. Even if they don't win every game.

Again I agree with the good doctor. And again, I'm going to award rep points.

JJ's comments about Stig haters were interesting in that I would say the number of Stig lovers/apologists is far higher than the number haters. Just my observation from talking to folks and reading. Often, critical comments have been shouted down on this board.

[goon]

Re: UC-Davis Game Day Thread

No excuses for fielding the punts inside the 10. I could care less to point blame as long as it is fixed next week. One thing I keep thinking is this team is really young and really exciting. I think there are going to be ups and downs this year but man the next 2-3 years are going to be exciting.

I was thinking the same thing. We have a lot of key players very young but see$ up to the challenege. Some are there out of nessiscity others earned it. Regardless we are 2-1 and we will have a tough macthup next week. I think win or lose next week we are going to learn a lot more about this team.

[EQguy]

Re: UC-Davis Game Day Thread

No excuses for fielding the punts inside the 10. I could care less to point blame as long as it is fixed next week. One thing I keep thinking is this team is really young and really exciting. I think there are going to be ups and downs this year but man the next 2-3 years are going to be exciting.

[jackmd]

Re: UC-Davis Game Day Thread

Well a lot lower scoring game that I predicted and closer. The Aggies almost beat you without a significant offense. The TD that was called back on the penalty was the difference. I think the Jackrabbits have more potential for the rest of the season than we do. The Aggies only hope is to go with our backup QB London Lacy that you saw at the end of the game. Wright at QB is on his third year of under-performing.

Agree with you. Knocking out Wright almost cost us the game. Lacy appears to have a lot of potential, just needs some game experience.

As for JJ's comment on Stig haters, I don't think you have to be labeled a hater when you question how well the coach is preparing the players and planning for the game. Foolish for thinking you know more than the coach? Yes, I think you can say that. Haters? Not most of them. I see a couple differences in fans. Some are content to cheer for their team regardless of wins and losses or performance on the field. Those are great fans and I wish I could be more like them. The other type of fan has expectations, realistic or not, and allows outcomes that fall short of those expectations to affect their enthusiasm for the team.

I was sorely disappointed in the pass offense and punt return team yesterday. I listened to the post game interviews on WNAX and at the presser and wasn't satisfied with Stigs answer to several questions. I drove the 2 hours home frustrated and wondering what the players were thinking. Then, I watched the video where Lally gets the game ball and all my frustration and concern melted away. The guys on this team appear to be special and I think they are going to put it all together and have some great success this year. Even if they don't win every game.

[rabbits64]

Re: UC-Davis Game Day Thread

One other thing before i shut up,is it just me, or does it seem the Bison play alot more aggresively than we do on defense?Maybe I just think that way because they won it all last year.Being too aggressive can be exploited too,there are counter-measures for that too,as long as their opponent isn't too passive, and let them get by with it.

They do play more agressive defense, and they have more team speed to play that style of defense. Stig is only going to blitz about 3-4 times per week, and that is the way we play. Bend don't break. We have the horses to rush 4 this year.

[GoAgs72]

Re: UC-Davis Game Day Thread

Well a lot lower scoring game that I predicted and closer. The Aggies almost beat you without a significant offense. The TD that was called back on the penalty was the difference. I think the Jackrabbits have more potential for the rest of the season than we do. The Aggies only hope is to go with our backup QB London Lacy that you saw at the end of the game. Wright at QB is on his third year of under-performing.

[JimmyJack]

Re: UC-Davis Game Day Thread

Yes, the punt return situation was pretty bad. Stig explained in his presser how the players are supposed to handle that (if it's over your head, signal fair catch and run the other way). Obviously that has been communicated to the players and, no doubt, practiced as well. So when a player goes out there and doesn't do what he has been told, I don't see how the coach has somehow failed there. Players make mistakes. I think there are a lot of Stig haters out there who want this to be a case of bad coaching. Does anybody really believe that Stig doesn't know how and when a player should field a punt?

I am also pretty certain that Austin Sumner didn't forget how to play quarterback over the summer. His thumb is causing him to struggle with accuracy. Balls are going high, apparently (again, according to Stig) because of the thumb. Let's hope it continues to improve.

I would prefer to be optimistic here. We are 2-1. Zenner is a monster. Our offensive line is playing well in the run game, and two injured starters are going to return before long. The defense has been terrific. We have strength at all three levels and the linebackers in particular are outstanding.

Beat ISU-b and you're 3-1 with a pretty bad Missouri State team coming into CAS. A 4-1 start means you split your remaining games and you're pretty likely to be in the playoffs. There's talent there, and obviously they're not playing to their potential yet... but as I recall Stig's teams tend to get better as the season wears on. Combine a good start with continued improvement and this will be a pretty solid team.